Vehicle wheel bearing

ABSTRACT

A first vehicle wheel bearing has a monolithic shaft including two inner races and has a monolithic outer race assembly. A second bearing has a monolithic shaft including a shoulder and at least one inner race, wherein the shaft is positioned within the bore of a vehicle knuckle member with the shoulder abutting the knuckle. A third bearing has an end cap attached to an outer race assembly and covering the bearing-cavity outboard opening. A fourth bearing has an inboard seal covering the bearing-cavity inboard opening and extending outside the cavity to define a target ring for an ABS speed sensor. A fifth bearing has an ABS speed sensor positioned in the bearing cavity and attached to a shaft proximate the outboard opening and has a target ring positioned in the bearing cavity and attached to the outer race assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicles, and moreparticularly to a vehicle wheel bearing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicles include automotive vehicles having wheel bearings suchas the wheel bearing 10 shown in a below-centerline, cross-sectionalview in prior art FIG. 1. The bearing 10 includes the outer raceassembly 12 having studs 14 to which a wheel (not shown) is attached.The bearing 10 also includes outboard and inboard inner races 16 and 18,balls 20 and 21 and outboard and inboard seals 22 and 24. These separatepieces are assembled together into a greased unit. A shaft 26 is pressedinto the bore 28 of a knuckle member 30 (only a portion of which isshown) from the inboard side 32 until a shoulder 34 of the shaft 26abuts an inboard-facing surface 36 of the knuckle member 30. Then, thebearing 10 is pressed onto the shaft 26 and against an outboard-facingsurface 38 of the knuckle member 30. Finally, a retention nut 40 isthreaded onto a threaded end of the shaft 26. Ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor 42 is attached to theknuckle member 30 and senses the rotation of a target ring 44 attachedto the rotating outer race assembly 12. The retention nut 40 has thepotential to loosen which can lead to reduced bearing life, bearingnoise, and ABS speed sensor 42 failure. Although the bearing componentsare protected from the wheel environment by the outboard and inboardseals 22 and 24, the ABS speed sensor 42 and the target ring 44 are notand require separate protection from the wheel environment. The priorart bearing 10 of FIG. 1 is relatively costly to manufacture, assembleinto a unit, and attach to the knuckle member 30.

[0003] What is needed is an improved vehicle wheel bearing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A first expression of a first embodiment of the invention is fora vehicle wheel bearing having a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic shaftand a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic outer race assembly. The shaftincludes an inboard inner race and an outboard inner race. The outerrace assembly surrounds the shaft and includes an outboard outer raceand an inboard outer race.

[0005] A second expression of a first embodiment of the invention is fora vehicle wheel bearing having a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic,non-rotatable shaft and a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic, rotatableouter race assembly. The shaft is attachable to a vehicle suspensioncomponent and includes an inboard inner race and an outboard inner race.The outer race assembly is attachable to a vehicle wheel, surrounds theshaft, and includes an outboard outer race and an inboard outer race.

[0006] A third expression of a first embodiment of the invention is fora vehicle wheel bearing assembly including a vehicle knuckle member anda vehicle wheel bearing. The vehicle knuckle member has a bore and has asubstantially-outboard-facing surface and a substantially-inboard-facingsurface. The vehicle wheel bearing has a monolithic, non-rotatableshaft, an inboard inner race, and a monolithic, rotatable outer raceassembly. The shaft includes an outboard inner race and a shoulder. Theshaft is located in and circumferentially contacts the bore. Theshoulder abuts the substantially-outboard-facing surface. The shaft isattached to the vehicle knuckle member against thesubstantially-inboard-facing surface. The outer race assembly surroundsthe shaft and includes an outboard outer race and an inboard outer race.In one example, the shaft and the inboard inner race define a monolithicstructure. In the same or a different design, the shaft has a deformedportion which abuts the substantially-inboard-facing surface.

[0007] A first expression of a second embodiment of the invention is fora vehicle wheel bearing including a vehicle-wheel-bearing shaft havingan inner race, including a vehicle-wheel-bearing outer race assemblyhaving an outer race, and including an end cap. The outer race assemblyis positioned radially outwardly apart from the shaft creating a bearingcavity. The bearing cavity has a substantially-circular outboardopening. The end cap is attached to the outer race assembly and has aportion covering the outboard opening, wherein the portion is at leastpartially disposed in the bearing cavity, and wherein the portion has asubstantially toroidal shape.

[0008] A second expression of a second embodiment of the invention isfor a vehicle wheel bearing including a vehicle-wheel-bearingnon-rotatable shaft having an inner race, including avehicle-wheel-bearing rotatable outer race assembly including an outerrace, and including an inboard seal. The outer race assembly ispositioned radially outwardly apart from the shaft creating a bearingcavity. The bearing cavity has a substantially-circular inboard opening.The inboard seal has a member attached to the outer race assembly,wherein the member has a first portion substantially covering theinboard opening and has a second portion extending radially outwardly ofthe outer race assembly. The second portion defines a target ring for ananti-lock-braking-system speed sensor.

[0009] A first expression of a third embodiment of the invention is fora vehicle wheel bearing including a vehicle-wheel-bearing non-rotatableshaft having an inner race, including a vehicle-wheel-bearing rotatableouter race assembly having an outer race, including ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor, and including a targetring. The outer race assembly is positioned radially outwardly apartfrom the shaft creating a bearing cavity. The bearing cavity has asubstantially-circular outboard opening. The ABS speed sensor ispositioned in the bearing cavity and is attached to the shaft proximatethe outboard opening. The target ring is positioned in the bearingcavity, is attached to the outer race, and has a portion located to besensed by the ABS speed sensor.

[0010] Several benefits and advantages are derived from one or more ofthe expressions and embodiments of the invention. Having a monolithicshaft with inboard and outboard inner races and having a monolithicouter race assembly with inboard and outboard outer races reducesmanufacturing costs. Having a monolithic shaft with an outboard innerrace, a shoulder, and a deformed portion, wherein the shoulder abuts theoutboard-facing surface of the vehicle knuckle member and wherein thedeformed portion abuts the inboard-facing surface of the knuckle membersecures the bearing to the knuckle member without using a retention nutwhich can loosen leading to reduced bearing life, bearing noise, and ABSspeed sensor failure. Having an outboard end cap with a toroidal portionin the bearing cavity allows the toroidal portion to act as a safetyretention ring when arcuate finger-type ball separators are used in thebearing cavity thus integrating sealing and safety retention functionsinto a single member reducing costs. Having an inboard seal extendoutside the bearing cavity to also function as a target ring for an ABSspeed sensor integrates sealing and target ring features into a singlemember reducing costs. Having an ABS speed sensor positioned in thebearing cavity and attached to the shaft proximate the outboard openingof the cavity and having the target ring positioned in the bearingcavity and attached to the outer race assembly places the ABS speedsensor and target ring inside the bearing where an existing bearing sealor end cap offers protection from the wheel environment without the needfor a separate seal for the ABS speed sensor and target ring.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a below-centerline, cross-sectional view of a prior artvehicle wheel bearing and vehicle knuckle member;

[0012]FIG. 2 is an above-centerline, cross-sectional view of a firstembodiment of a vehicle wheel bearing of the invention and a vehicleknuckle member;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a view of an inboard portion of FIG. 2 showing theinboard-facing surface of the knuckle member and a portion of the shaftbefore that portion is deformed to abut the inboard-facing surface ofthe knuckle member;

[0014]FIG. 4 is an above-centerline, cross-sectional view of a secondembodiment of a vehicle wheel bearing of the invention and a vehicleknuckle member; and

[0015]FIG. 5 is an above-centerline and partially-below-centerline,cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a vehicle wheel bearing ofthe invention and a vehicle knuckle member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a firstembodiment of the present invention. A first expression of the firstembodiment is for a vehicle wheel bearing 46 including avehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic shaft 48 and a vehicle-wheel-bearingmonolithic outer race assembly 50. Examples of wheeled vehicles havingwheel bearings include, without limitation, automobiles and trucks. Theshaft 48 includes an inboard inner race 52 and an outboard inner race54. The outer race assembly 50 surrounds the shaft 48 and includes anoutboard outer race 56 and an inboard outer race 58. Thus, the inboardinner race 52, the outboard inner race 54, and other portions of theshaft 48 define a monolithic structure. Likewise, the outboard outerrace 56, the inboard outer race 58, and other portions of the outer raceassembly 50 define a monolithic structure. Monolithically integratingthe inner races 52 and 54 with the shaft 48 saves manufacturing costs.

[0017] A second expression of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 isfor a vehicle wheel bearing 46 including a vehicle-wheel-bearingmonolithic, non-rotatable monolithic shaft 48 and avehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic, rotatable outer race assembly 50. Theshaft 48 is attachable to a vehicle suspension component (such as butnot limited to a vehicle knuckle member 60, wherein for purposes ofdescribing the invention, the vehicle knuckle member 60 is consideredpart of the vehicle suspension system). The shaft 48 includes an inboardinner race 52 and an outboard inner race 54. The outer race assembly 50is attachable to a vehicle wheel (not shown) such as, withoutlimitation, by having the vehicle wheel be mounted on wheel studs 62attached to the outer race assembly 50. The outer race assembly 50surrounds the shaft 48 and includes an outboard outer race 56 and aninboard outer race 58.

[0018] A third expression of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is fora vehicle wheel bearing assembly 64 including a vehicle knuckle member60, and a vehicle wheel bearing 46. As previously mentioned, the vehicleknuckle member 60 is considered part of the vehicle suspension systemfor purposes of describing the invention and is connected to othervehicle suspension components, not shown, as is known to those skilledin the art. The vehicle knuckle member 60 has a bore 66 and has asubstantially-outboard-facing surface 68 and asubstantially-inboard-facing surface 70. The vehicle wheel bearing 46includes a monolithic, non-rotatable monolithic shaft 48, an inboardinner race 52, and a monolithic, rotatable outer race assembly 50. Theshaft 48 includes an outboard inner race 54 and a shoulder 72. The shaft48 is disposed in the bore 66. The shoulder 72 abuts thesubstantially-outboard-facing surface 68. The shaft 48 is attached tothe vehicle knuckle member 60 against the substantially-inboard-facingsurface 70. The outer race assembly 50 surrounds the shaft 48 andincludes an outboard outer race 56 and an inboard outer race 58.

[0019] In one example of the third expression, the shaft 48circumferentially contacts the wall of the bore 66 such as with apress-fit. In one construction, the shaft 48 and the inboard inner race52 define a monolithic structure as shown in FIG. 2. In anotherconstruction, not shown in FIG. 2, shaft 48 and the inboard inner race52 are separate members. In this other construction, the shaft 48monolithically includes the outboard inner race 54 but does notmonolithically include the inboard inner race 52.

[0020] In one implementation of the third expression, the shaft 48 has adeformed portion 74 which abuts the substantially-inboard-facing surface70 of the vehicle knuckle member 60. The shoulder 72 and the deformedportion 74 of the shaft 48 abuttingly secure the shaft 48 (and hence theentire vehicle wheel bearing 46) to the vehicle knuckle member 60without the use of a retention nut which could loosen leading to reducedbearing life, bearing noise, and ABS speed sensor failure. Beforedeformation, in one construction, the inboard end of the shaft 48 has aledge shape as shown in FIG. 3.

[0021] In one design of the third expression, the outboard inner andouter races 54 and 56 define an outboard raceway containing rollingelements such as, but not limited to, balls 76. Likewise, in thisdesign, the inboard inner and outer races 52 and 58 define an inboardraceway containing rolling elements such as, but not limited to, balls78. In one modification, not shown, an outboard annular separator ringhaving dimples to hold and separate the balls 76 is disposed in theoutboard raceway, and an inboard annular separator ring having dimplesto hold and separate the balls 78 is disposed in the inboard raceway. Inone variation, not shown, each annular separator ring is replaced with aplurality of arcuate separators each having radially-inwardly-extendingfingers to separate the balls. The use of annular separator rings and/orarcuate separators is known to the artisan.

[0022] In one modification of the third expression, the vehicle wheelbearing 46 also includes an inboard seal 80 and further includes anoutboard end cap 82 which is attached to a radially-inward-facingsurface of the outer race assembly 50 and which sealingly extends to theouter race assembly 50. It is noted that in this modification, theoutboard end cap 82 is less expensive to use than a conventionaloutboard seal. In one variation, a target ring 84 is attached to aradially-outwardly-facing surface of the outer race assembly 50 to besensed by an ABS speed sensor 86 attached to the vehicle knuckle member60.

[0023] During assembly of the vehicle wheel bearing 46, it may benecessary to use a “Conrad”-type assembly, as is known in the art,where, instead of the balls being placed in the dimples of an annularseparator before enclosure by a separate race, the balls are firstplaced between opposing races and then an arcuate finger-type separatoris inserted into the raceway. In one assembly method for the vehiclewheel bearing assembly 64 shown in FIG. 2, the greased and assembledvehicle wheel bearing 46 is brought as a unit (including at least theshaft 48, the outer race assembly 50, the balls 76 and 78, the inboardseal 80, and the outboard end cap 82) to the area of the vehicle knucklemember 60. The shaft 48 is press fit from the outboard side 87 into thebore 66 of the vehicle knuckle member 60 with the shoulder 72 of theshaft 48 abutting the outboard-facing surface 68 of the vehicle knucklemember 60. Then the inboard end of the shaft 48 seen in FIG. 3 is rolledby a tool (not shown) and deformed into the deformed portion 74 seen inFIG. 2.

[0024] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 4. A firstdepiction of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is for a vehiclewheel bearing assembly 88 and is identical to the previously describedthird expression of the first embodiment except for the way the inboardend of the shaft 90 is attached to the vehicle knuckle member 92. In thefirst depiction of the second embodiment, the vehicle wheel bearingassembly 88 also includes a retention nut 94. The shaft 90 has athreaded end 96, and the retention nut 94 is threadably attached to thethreaded end 96 and abuts the substantially-inboard-facing surface 98 ofthe vehicle knuckle member 92.

[0025] A first expression of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 isfor a vehicle wheel bearing 100 including a vehicle-wheel-bearing shaft90, a vehicle-wheel-bearing outer race assembly 102, and an end cap 104.The shaft 90 has an inner race 106 and 108. The outer race assembly 102has an outer race 110 and 112 and is disposed radially outwardly apartfrom the shaft 90 creating a bearing cavity 114, wherein the bearingcavity 114 has a substantially-circular outboard opening 116. The endcap 104 is attached to the outer race assembly 102 and has a portion 118covering the outboard opening 116. The portion 118 is at least partiallydisposed in the bearing cavity 114, and the portion 118 has asubstantially toroidal shape. Having an end cap 104 with a toroidalportion 118 in the bearing cavity 114 allows the toroidal portion 118 toact as a safety retention ring when arcuate finger-type ball separatorsare used in the bearing cavity thus integrating sealing and safetyretention functions into a single member reducing costs.

[0026] A second expression of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 isfor a vehicle wheel bearing 100 including a vehicle-wheel-bearing shaft90, a vehicle-wheel-bearing outer race assembly 102, and an inboard seal120. The shaft 90 has an inner race 106 and 108. The outer race assembly102 includes an outer race 110 and 112 and is disposed radiallyoutwardly apart from the shaft 90 creating a bearing cavity 114, whereinthe bearing cavity 114 has a substantially-circular inboard opening 122.The inboard seal 120 has a member 124 attached to the outer raceassembly 102, wherein the member 124 has a first portion 126substantially covering the inboard opening 122 and has a second portion128 extending radially outwardly of the outer race assembly 102, andwherein the second portion 128 defines a target ring 130 for ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor 132. Having an inboard sealextend outside the bearing cavity to also function as a target ring foran ABS speed sensor integrates sealing and target ring features into asingle member reducing costs.

[0027] In one example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, thevehicle wheel bearing assembly 88 also includes wheel studs 134, andballs 136 and 138, as shown, wherein the inboard inner race 106 is shownas a separate member and not as a monolithic portion of the shaft 90. Inone construction, the inboard seal 120 also has another member 140attached to the inboard inner race 106, wherein both members 124 and140, within the bearing cavity 114, comprise stainless steel withelastomer lips.

[0028] A third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. A firstexpression of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is for a vehiclewheel bearing 142 including a vehicle-wheel-bearing non-rotatable shaft144, a vehicle-wheel-bearing rotatable outer race assembly 146, ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor 148, and a target ring 150.The shaft 144 has an inner race 152 and 154. The outer race assembly 146has an outer race 156 and 158 and is disposed radially outwardly apartfrom the shaft 144 creating a bearing cavity 160, wherein the bearingcavity 160 has a substantially-circular outboard opening 162. The ABSspeed sensor 148 is disposed in the bearing cavity 160 and is attachedto the shaft 144 proximate the outboard opening 162. The target ring 150is disposed in the bearing cavity 160, is attached to the outer raceassembly 146, and has a portion 164 disposed to be sensed by the ABSspeed sensor 148.

[0029] In one example of the first expression of the third embodiment,the shaft 144 has a central bore 166 having an outboard end 168 and aninboard end 170. A wire connector 172 is disposed at the inboard end170, and wiring 174 is disposed in the central bore 166 and connects theABS speed sensor 148 and the wire connector 172. In the same or adifferent example, an end cap 176 is attached to the outer race assembly146 and covers the outboard opening 162 of the bearing cavity 160 andthe outboard end 168 of the central bore 166. In the same or anotherexample, the target ring 150 is an extension of the end cap 176. Theorientation of the target ring 150 and the ABS speed sensor 148 is leftto the artisan. Having an ABS speed sensor positioned in the bearingcavity and attached to the shaft proximate the outboard opening of thecavity and having the target ring positioned in the bearing cavity andattached to the outer race assembly places the ABS speed sensor andtarget ring inside the bearing where an existing bearing seal or end capoffers protection from the wheel environment without the need for aseparate seal for the ABS speed sensor and target ring. In oneconstruction, the vehicle wheel bearing 142 also includes balls 178 and180 and an inboard seal 182. In one modification, the shaft 144 isattached to a vehicle knuckle member 184, and wheel studs 186 areattached to the uter race assembly 146.

[0030] It is noted that the previously-described examples,constructions, implementations, designs, modifications, variations, anddepictions of any expression of an embodiment can be combined, asappropriate, in that expression and/or can be used, as appropriate, inany other embodiment, as can be appreciated by the artisan.

[0031] The foregoing description of a several expressions andembodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined bythe claims appended hereto.

1. A vehicle wheel bearing comprising: a) a vehicle-wheel-bearingmonolithic shaft which includes an inboard inner race and an outboardinner race; and b) a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic outer raceassembly which surrounds the shaft and which includes an outboard outerrace and an inboard outer race.
 2. A vehicle wheel bearing comprising:a) a vehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic, non-rotatable shaft which isattachable to a vehicle suspension component and which includes aninboard inner race and an outboard inner race; and b) avehicle-wheel-bearing monolithic, rotatable outer race assembly which isattachable to a vehicle wheel, which surrounds the shaft, and whichincludes an outboard outer race and an inboard outer race.
 3. A vehiclewheel bearing assembly comprising: a) a vehicle knuckle member which hasa bore, which has a substantially-outboard-facing surface and asubstantially-inboard-facing surface; and b) a vehicle wheel bearinghaving: (1) a monolithic, non-rotatable shaft which includes an outboardinner race and a shoulder, wherein the shaft is disposed in the bore,wherein the shoulder abuts the substantially-outboard-facing surface,and wherein the shaft is attached to the vehicle knuckle member againstthe substantially-inboard-facing surface; (2) an inboard inner race; and(3) a monolithic, rotatable outer race assembly which surrounds theshaft and which includes an outboard outer race and an inboard outerrace.
 4. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 3, wherein theshaft and the inboard inner race define a monolithic structure.
 5. Thevehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 3, wherein the shaft has adeformed portion which abuts the substantially-inboard-facing surface.6. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 5, wherein the shaft andthe inboard inner race define a monolithic structure.
 7. The vehiclewheel bearing assembly of claim 5, wherein the outer race assembly isdisposed radially outwardly apart from the shaft creating a bearingcavity, wherein the bearing cavity has a substantially-circular outboardopening; and also including an end cap which is attached to the outerrace assembly and which has a portion covering the outboard opening,wherein the portion is at least partially disposed in the bearingcavity, and wherein the portion has a substantially toroidal shape. 8.The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 5, wherein the outer raceassembly is disposed radially outwardly apart from the shaft creating abearing cavity, wherein the bearing cavity has a substantially-circularinboard opening, and also including an inboard seal having a memberattached to the outer race, wherein the member has a first portionsubstantially covering the inboard opening and has a second portionextending radially outwardly of the outer race, and wherein the secondportion defines a target ring for an anti-lock-braking-system speedsensor.
 9. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 5, wherein theouter race is disposed radially outwardly apart from the shaft creatinga bearing cavity, wherein the bearing cavity has asubstantially-circular outboard opening, also including ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor attached to the shaftproximate the outboard opening;, and further including a target ringwhich is attached to the outer race and which has a portion disposed tobe sensed by the ABS speed sensor.
 10. The vehicle wheel bearingassembly of claim 9, wherein the shaft has a central bore having anoutboard end and an inboard end, and also including a wire connectordisposed at the inboard end, and further including wiring which isdisposed in the central bore and which connects the speed sensor and thewire connector.
 11. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 10, alsoincluding an end cap which is attached to the outer race assembly andwhich covers the outboard opening of the bearing cavity and the outboardend of the central bore.
 12. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim11, wherein the target ring is an extension of the end cap.
 13. Thevehicle wheel bearing assembly of claim 3, also including a retentionnut, wherein the shaft has a threaded end, and wherein the retention nutis threadably attached to the threaded end and abuts thesubstantially-inboard-facing surface.
 14. The vehicle wheel bearingassembly of claim 13, wherein the shaft and the inboard inner racedefine a monolithic structure.
 15. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the outer race assembly is disposed radially outwardlyapart from the shaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein the bearingcavity has a substantially-circular outboard opening; and also includingan end cap which is attached to the outer race assembly and which has aportion covering the outboard opening, wherein the portion is at leastpartially disposed in the bearing cavity, and wherein the portion has asubstantially toroidal shape.
 16. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the outer race assembly is disposed radially outwardlyapart from the shaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein the bearingcavity has a substantially-circular inboard opening, and also includingan inboard seal having a member attached to the outer race, wherein themember has a first portion substantially covering the inboard openingand has a second portion extending radially outwardly of the outer race,and wherein the second portion defines a target ring for ananti-lock-braking-system speed sensor.
 17. The vehicle wheel bearingassembly of claim 13, wherein the outer race is disposed radiallyoutwardly apart from the shaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein thebearing cavity has a substantially-circular outboard opening, alsoincluding an anti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor attached to theshaft proximate the outboard opening;, and further including a targetring which is attached to the outer race and which has a portiondisposed to be sensed by the ABS speed sensor.
 18. The vehicle wheelbearing assembly of claim 17, wherein the shaft has a central borehaving an outboard end and an inboard end, and also including a wireconnector disposed at the inboard end, and further including wiringwhich is disposed in the central bore and which connects the speedsensor and the wire connector.
 19. The vehicle wheel bearing assembly ofclaim 18, also including an end cap which is attached to the outer raceassembly and which covers the outboard opening of the bearing cavity andthe outboard end of the central bore.
 20. The vehicle wheel bearingassembly of claim 19, wherein the target ring is an extension of the endcap.
 21. A vehicle wheel bearing comprising; (a) a vehicle-wheel-bearingshaft having an inner race; (b) a vehicle-wheel-bearing outer raceassembly which has an outer race and which is disposed radiallyoutwardly apart from the shaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein thebearing cavity has a substantially-circular outboard opening; and (c) anend cap which is attached to the outer race assembly and which has aportion covering the outboard opening, wherein the portion is at leastpartially disposed in the bearing cavity, and wherein the portion has asubstantially toroidal shape.
 22. A vehicle wheel bearing comprising;(a) a vehicle-wheel-bearing non-rotatable shaft having an inner race;(b) a vehicle-wheel-bearing rotatable outer race assembly which includesan outer race and which is disposed radially outwardly apart from theshaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein the bearing cavity has asubstantially-circular inboard opening; and (c) an inboard seal having amember attached to the outer race assembly, wherein the member has afirst portion substantially covering the inboard opening and has asecond portion extending radially outwardly of the outer race assembly,and wherein the second portion defines a target ring for ananti-lock-braking-system speed sensor.
 23. A vehicle wheel bearingcomprising; (a) a vehicle-wheel-bearing non-rotatable shaft having aninner race; (b) a vehicle-wheel-bearing rotatable outer race assemblywhich has an outer race and which is disposed radially outwardly apartfrom the shaft creating a bearing cavity, wherein the bearing cavity hasa substantially-circular outboard opening; (c) ananti-lock-braking-system (ABS) speed sensor which is disposed in thebearing cavity and which is attached to the shaft proximate the outboardopening; and (d) a target ring which is disposed in the bearing cavity,which is attached to the outer race assembly, and which has a portiondisposed to be sensed by the ABS speed sensor.
 24. The vehicle wheelbearing of claim 23, wherein the shaft has a central bore having anoutboard end and an inboard end, and also including a wire connectordisposed at the inboard end, and further including wiring which isdisposed in the central bore and which connects the ABS speed sensor andthe wire connector.
 25. The vehicle wheel bearing of claim 24, alsoincluding an end cap which is attached to the outer race assembly andwhich covers the outboard opening of the bearing cavity and the outboardend of the central bore.
 26. The vehicle wheel bearing of claim 25,wherein the target ring is an extension of the end cap.